BARCELONA are eyeing Chelsea midfielder Ramires if they miss out on signing Atletico Madrid youngster Koke, who has been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United.

The Spanish giants currently have no shortage of midfielders and a replacement for Victor Valdes in goal currently remains the club's priority but Gerardo Martino is already thinking about the future when it comes to his engine-room.

While 21-year-old Koke remains Gerardo Martino's first option but the Argentine boss is aware of the interest from Manchester United and Liverpool and is making a contingency plan in case he gets trumped by the British clubs.

Koke - who has been called the next Xavi - has a very real chance of replacing the real Xavi at Camp Nou, having impressed both Barca scouts and Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque with his performances for Atletico this season.

Koke remains Barcelona's first choice midfield reinforcement [GETTY]

Barcelona could turn to Ramires if they miss out on Koke

However, should the Catalan club miss out on Koke they have identified two alternatives to pursue next summer - Chelsea's Ramires and Juventus's Arturo Vidal.

Ramires and Vidal are both more physical players than Koke, but Martino is thought to be in favour of literally strengthening his midfield at the end of the season.

Koke has recently signed a new contract at Atletico but has a £17m buy-out clause.

It now remains to be seen whether such a fee could entice Chelsea or Juve to part with Ramires of Vidal should Koke instead choose to move to United or Liverpool at season's end.